NEWS & UPDATES
HOCKOMOCK AREA YMCA

Posted on: Thursday, August 25th, 2016

Announcing the start of our Fall Weigh to Change Program!

We are excited to announce that all 3 of our branches will now offer a 10-week weight loss program called Weigh to Change following the success of our Foxboro spring program where 31 members lost a total of 267 pounds and 318.5 inches. Our fall program begins September 12th and will run through November 19th.

Meet Christine Toland, one of our success stories from our spring program. She lost a total of 14lbs. and 9.9 inches. Here is her story:

I was hesitant to sign up for the Weigh to Change (WTC) program. I made excuses in my head as to why it wasn’t a good idea to join…my kids and family, their schedules, work, the fact that I wouldn’t know anyone. I figured that it wouldn’t fit into MY schedule because of other priorities. Ultimately, my husband encouraged me saying, “It’s only 10 weeks, we can make the schedule work.” With that I took a leap. I didn’t have any real expectations, maybe a goal of losing 10 lbs. would be nice… again doubting myself.

I may have lost those 10 lbs. but what I gained from the WTC program was beyond my expectations. The amount of support and encouragement that I received from the trainers, nutritionist, other WTC members, and truly from the entire Y was and still is amazing.

Those 10 weeks transformed me mentally and physically and what I thought was going to be ONLY 10 weeks has now turned into my daily routine. I accomplished 2 goals and I now feel like I am part of a little community, a family within the Y and I couldn’t be happier.

I have realized that those other priorities that initially came first, my family, need me…and it’s okay to take time for me to be a better and healthier person for them, because yes they do need me!

Come to one of our Weigh to Change Information Sessions & Learn More!

Bernon Family (Franklin) Branch
45 Forge Hill Road, Franklin, MA 02038

Days & Times:

  • August 30, Tuesday @ 6:30pm
  • OR September 3, Saturday @ 10:00am

Invensys Foxboro Branch
67 Mechanic Street, Foxboro, MA 02067

Days & Times:

  • September 1, Thursday @ 6:30pm
  • OR September 10, Saturday @ 9:00am

North Attleboro Branch
300 Elmwood Street, North Attleboro, MA 02760

Days & Times:

  • September 1, Thursday @ 6:30pm
  • OR September 10, Saturday @ 8:00am

The Weigh to Change program offers support and education in both areas of fitness and nutrition. By combining physical training and better nutrition, participants will benefit in the most successful way to achieve weight loss. Participants will be challenged throughout the ten weeks with personal training, nutrition guidance, group work outs, and friendly challenge competitions.

Specifically the Weigh to Change Program includes:

  • Weekly individual 30-minute personal training session – Read about the trainer here.
  • Individual nutrition counseling with nutritionist
  • Minimum of three weekly group training sessions
  • Weekly nutrition and physical challenges
  • Two Nutrition workshops
  • Styku 3-D body scan
  • Entry into the Foxboro Y 5K Race on October 9th

The cost of the program is $499 for Hockomock Area YMCA Members and $749 for Hockomock Area YMCA Program Members (over an $800 value).

REGISTER ONLINE FOR WEIGH TO CHANGE

Posted on: Wednesday, August 10th, 2016

Back To School Open House

With the school year soon to be upon us, stop by your local Hockomock Area YMCA branch for some final summer fun! Learn more at this Back to School Open House to learn more about our YMCA before and after school programs known as School’s Out. With a bounce house, cook out, and raffles, there is sure to be plenty to do! Our School’s Out Program provide quality, affordable before and after school care for kids in kindergarten through middle school, in addition to offering no school fun days and vacation weeks. At the event you will be able to meet our staff, and you can even register while you are there!

Invensys Foxboro Branch

67 Mechanic Street, Foxboro
Wednesday, August 24, 2016
6:30pm-8:30pm
Questions or want more info? Contact Sarah at 508-772-1304 or sarahm@hockymca.org.

North Attleboro Branch

300 Elmwood Street, North Attleboro
Thursday, August 25, 2016
6:30pm-8:30pm
Questions or want more info? Contact Sara at 508-643-5252 or saraw@hockymca.org.

Bernon Family Branch

45 Forge Hill Road, Franklin
Friday, August 26, 2016
6:30pm-8:30pm
Questions or want more info? Contact Ashley at 774-235-2736 or ashleyk@hockymca.org.

To learn more about School’s Out and our participating schools and locations, click here.

We hope to see you at our Back to School Open House!

Posted on: Wednesday, August 10th, 2016

COME SEE SHREK THE MUSICAL!

Everybody’s favorite ogre is coming to stage this weekend!

Enjoy our Broad-Y Academy’s youth theatre adaption of the Tony award-winning show Shrek The Musical, to be held at Bellingham High School (60 Blackstone Street, Bellingham, MA).

The classic characters of the academy award-winning movie will come to life, including full lights, sound, costumes, sets and props:

  • Saturday, Aug. 13, 7:00 pm
  • and Sunday, Aug. 14, 1:00 pm


Tickets will be available at the door. $10 (adults) $7 (students)

Come be entertained by the cast of Shrek The Musical. Enrichment programs at the Y let all kids grow in creativity, gaining confidence and learning more about themselves. Enjoy the show!!

Posted on: Tuesday, August 9th, 2016

New LIVESTRONG Classes to Begin at the Y This Fall

Soon the Hockomock Area YMCA will offer LIVESTRONG classes that will begin in Fall, 2016.

LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is a free 12-week program designed for cancer survivors and their families seeking to regain health, build strength, and connect with other cancer survivors. Our goal is to help participants build muscle mass and muscle strength, increase flexibility and endurance, and improve functional ability. Certified YMCA fitness instructors give personal individualized instruction and are trained in the elements of cancer, post rehab exercise, nutrition, and supportive cancer care. The program meets twice a week for 90 minutes, using traditional exercise methods to ease you back into fitness and help participants improve confidence and self-esteem.

Check out the locations, dates, and times of the upcoming LIVESTRONG classes!

Bernon Family (Franklin) Branch

45 Forge Hill Road
Franklin, MA
Day & Time: Tuesday & Thursday, 11:00am-12:30pm beginning on September 20th

Invensys Foxboro Branch

67 Mechanic Street
Foxboro, MA
Day & Time: Monday & Wednesday at 10:30am-12:00pm beginning September 12th

North Attleboro Branch

300 Elmwood Street
North Attleboro, MA
Day & Time: Tuesday and Thursday 6:00pm-7:30pm beginning September 13th

In 2010, the Hockomock Area YMCA was one of the first ten YMCAs in the country to launch this life changing initiative, partnering with the LIVESTRONG Foundation to help cancer survivors begin the journey toward recovery with the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program. On average, 120 participants graduate from the program annually at the Hockomock Area YMCA. A recent survey at the Hockomock Area YMCA found that ninety-nine percent of LIVESTRONG at the YMCA participants said that the atmosphere of the Y supports them in their pursuit of health and well-being.

Cancer survivors are encouraged to contact Jackie Robison, Program Coordinator, at 508-772-1310 or JackieR@hockymca.org for more information and to enroll. For additional information, click here.

Posted on: Wednesday, August 3rd, 2016

You Are Cordially Invited To The Back To School Celebration!

It is almost time to go back to school! To celebrate the return to learning, join friends, family, and other members of the community at the Bernon Family Branch in Franklin for a Back to School Celebration full of fun and free haircuts! To get the school year off on the right foot, local hairdressers are offering free haircuts just in time for September. In addition to the haircuts, the event will also feature fun activities, and bounce house, photos, and much more!

The event will be held on Sunday, August 21, 2016. It will run from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

The event will be held at the Bernon Family Branch, which is located at 45 Forge Hill Road in Franklin.

The Back to School Celebration coincides with the end of the Backpack Drive. The Backpack Drive, which runs from July 11 through August 21, aims to provide backpacks and school supplies to kids who cannot afford them. To learn more about the Backpack Drive, click here!

Come stop by for fun, festivities, and free haircuts! Get ready for the school year and stop on by!

Posted on: Wednesday, August 3rd, 2016

George Johnson, Jr. Receives the 2016 Legacy of Caring Award

George Johnson, Jr. was recently bestowed the second annual Marge Kraskouskas Legacy of Caring Award on the afternoon of Tuesday, July 26 at the Hockomock Area YMCA’s annual staff recognition luncheon, which was held at Lake Pearl in Wrentham.

A staff member of the Hockomock Area YMCA community for 29 years, Johnson joined the Y in April of 1987. He currently works in the Facilities Department in the North Attleboro Branch and serves as a referee for Y leagues and sports events. Johnson is also an active participant in the community, serving as a Pop Warner and high school football official. Known for his friendliness and willingness to step up and help others, Johnson is well deserving of the Y’s Legacy of Caring Award. Johnson’s reception of this year’s award was met with a standing ovation from his staff colleagues at the luncheon.

The award, named for Marge Kraskouskas, recognizes a staff member for unyielding passion and commitment to the mission and values of the Hockomock Area YMCA. Marge Kraskouskas is the former Hockomock Area YMCA Vice President of Human Resources. Last year, the Legacy of Caring Award was given to Ann Maitland, who has been a partner with the Y for 30 years. She is the director of the Top of the Hill Pre School at the Hockomock Y’s North Attleboro Branch.

Hockomock Area YMCA President and CEO Ed Hurley presented Johnson with the award. Hurley remarked after presenting the award “If I were to stand here and talk about all of the things George has done in his career at the YMCA, from the departments he’s supported and worked with, to the people whose lives he’s touched, they’d be serving dinner at Lake Pearl.” Johnson’s contributions have had a considerable impact over the decades, and the YMCA as well as the community as a whole are fortunate to be indebted to Johnson’s generosity and service.

Congratulations to George Johnson, Jr. on receiving the 2016 Legacy of Caring Award!

Posted on: Monday, August 1st, 2016

Give Back With Backpacks!

Although most kids don’t want to admit it, the new school year is just around the corner. Soon summertime fun will be replaced with schoolwork. Unfortunately, some people cannot afford the school supplies needed for the school year. That is why there is currently a Backpack Drive accepting school supplies and backpacks. From July 11 through August 21, 2016, supplies and backpacks can be dropped off at a variety of locations. To drop off supplies, you can head to these sites:

  • BJ’s Distribution Center in Uxbridge
  • BJ’s in Franklin
  • Bernon Family Branch of the Hockomock Area YMCA
  • Franklin Elk’s Lodge
  • Franklin Municipal Building
  • Jefferson Elementary School
  • Remington Middle School

In addition to backpacks, some supplies that you can donate are spiral notebooks, pencils, erasers, calculators, crayons, markers, pocket folders, pencil bags, rulers, highlighters, scissors, binders, colored markers, glue sticks, pens, and loose leaf paper.

The Backpack Drive is a collaborative effort made possible by the Bernon Family YMCA, the Franklin Elk’s Lodge, and the Franklin Public School District.

Do you need a backpack, or does somebody you know need one? Please contact Michelle Branche at 774-235-2766 or michellebr@hockymca.org to request one!

The end of the Backpack Drive coincides with the Back to School Celebration, which is an event offering free haircuts, fun activities and more. The celebration will take place on Sunday, August 21, 2016 at the Bernon Family Branch in Franklin. To learn more about the Back to School Celebration, click here!

Help kids make the grade! Stop by one of the many drop off locations and donate to help kids and their families.

Posted on: Monday, July 18th, 2016

Our Camps Voted Best in the Region

Thank you for voting us a favorite through Wicked Local Readers Choice Awards!

#1 Regional Favorite for Summer Camp!

We appreciate your votes and remains steadfast in our cause to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

We strive to make this the best summer ever! We believe we provide a place for youth and teens to belong, try new things, and make lifelong friends. Camping teaches self-reliance, a love for nature and the outdoors and the development of attitudes and practices that build character and leadership. Our days are invigorating and we are having an amazing summer through hands-on learning.

We also received accolades for our Hockomock Area YMCA branches in the following Wicked Local Readers Choice Award categories:


Invensys Foxboro Branch Accolades

  • #1 Day care/Preschool
  • #1 Health Club/Yoga Studio

North Attleboro Branch Accolades

  • #1 Health Club/Yoga Studio
  • #1 Gymnastics School

Bernon Family Branch, Franklin Accolades

  • #1 Gymnastics School

To learn more about Wicked Local Readers Choice Awards 2016, click here.

Posted on: Thursday, July 14th, 2016

Examples of html and styles on the website

Header 2

Header 3

Header 4

Header 5

We need to use our “header” tags carefully (h1,h2,h3,h4,h5). Notice what the set of header tags do. They change the font from our brand’s Cachet Book to Cachet Bold, and in a few cases force “ALL CAPS.” The line height varies for some of the headers. It’s important to note that we are not using the h2 tags in the body copy of our post, because the Post Title is using that.

This is regular paragraph text. Also, when you put a block of text within paragraph tags, pay attention to what that is doing. It applies our Cachet Book font, which our brand uses for regular text copy. More importantly, notice what the p tags do with spacing. There is a margin added at the bottom of the paragraph, creating some extra spacing to separate it from the next paragraph.

If you were to instead use a br tag to force a line break,
there is no extra spacing between the lines.

Here is some paragraph text with some bolding. This is simple, bolded text. While the text is bolder, we haven’t switched to our Brand’s special “Benefit Statement” font, Cachet Bold.

Regular paragraph text with a link. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet.

Benefit Statement headings are an important part of our brand messaging strategy, and they have a unique styling that our website uses in some areas. Notice the difference when you add a line break into a header:

This is indeed
a long header

This is indeed

a long header

Posted on: Wednesday, July 13th, 2016

Youth Leadership at the Y

Through our leadership programs, the Y makes sure that every child has an opportunity to envision and pursue a positive future, and to take an active role in strengthening community. Our Leaders Clubs develop youth ages 12 to 18 as leaders while fostering a culture of service. Learn about the experiences these teens have had at our Y:

Lindsey DeRusha, a 2016 King Philip Regional High School graduate, began her journey with the Hockomock Area YMCA at age 11. The Y soon became her second home. Lindsey was a Counselor-in-Training, and later a camp counselor. Lindsey has been part of the Invensys Foxboro Branch’s Leaders Club for four years, serving on the Executive Board for three years. This year she was the Club President. Lindsey is most proud of her role in the “Be a Star” project. Leaders from all over the region planned and provided a senior luncheon, helped at an elderly housing community, and assisted at food pantries, homeless shelters, and domestic abuse centers. “I am proud of who the Y has made me and who it’s let me be,” shares Lindsey. “I try to positively impact everyone I meet. It’s through the Y that I have learned to do that.” Lindsey was this year’s Youth of the Year for the Invensys Foxboro Branch.

Samantha Bellavance, a 2016 graduate of Franklin High School, is another model of someone who cares and gives back to their community. She describes herself as a “Y lifer,” since she started going to the Y at age 3. Active in the Y’s Leaders Club, Sam has spent an astonishing 2,000 hours performing community service. She was also active in the School’s Out program, where she was a group leader for the before and after school child care at the Y. This year’s Youth of the Year for the Bernon Family Branch, Sam credits the Y for helping instill in her important values, asserting that “I learned to focus on others. I was inspired to be honest and super respectful. I don’t know what my life would be like without the Y.”

Lindsay Robinson, the North Attleboro Branch Youth of the Year, serves to be another example of a young Y member with both leadership skills and compassion for others. A North Attleboro resident, Lindsay’s first experiences at the Y came when she was a child. Her passion for gymnastics began at our Y and she has progressed to become an exceptional gymnast earning many accolades for her dedication and skill. “I’m most proud of the life skills I’m learning at the Y. They take an interest in me and encourage me to reach for success through hard work,” beams Lindsay. Recognized as a leader in the gym with a strong work ethic and friendly demeanor, Lindsay has also earned a reputation outside the gym for giving back to her community. Last year, Lindsay organized a leotard resale campaign for her Bat Mitzvah project to raise funds for our Y’s Reach Out For Youth and Families Campaign. Lindsay has also donated time to many other causes like Lenore’s Food Pantry, Clean North Attleboro, and our annual ROFY Flip Fest.

To learn more about teen leadership opportunities, click here.

HOCKOMOCK AREA YMCA

300 Elmwood Street
North Attleboro, MA 02760
 508.695.7001

MEMBERSHIP
COMMUNITY
CAUSE
CAREERS

HOCKOMOCK AREA YMCA LOCATIONS

BERNON FAMILY BRANCH

45 Forge Hill Road
Franklin, MA 02038

 508.528.8708

INVENSYS FOXBORO BRANCH

67 Mechanic Street
Foxboro, MA 02035

 508.543.2523

NORTH ATTLEBORO BRANCH

300 Elmwood Street
North Attleboro, MA 02760

 508.695.7001

MANSFIELD ARTS & EDUCATION CENTER

40 Balcom Street
Mansfield, MA 02048

 508.339.3066